30 September 2023 , 13:00
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Arsenal could have won the Premier League last season if William Saliba had stayed fit.
That's according to the defender himself, who believes the Gunners were in prime position to lift the top-flight title for the first time since 2004, before he suffered a season-ending injury. Saliba had started every single league outing, up until sustaining a back problem during a match against Sporting CP.
Saliba hobbled off in the 21st minute of their Europa League last-16 second-leg tie. Unfortunately for the France international, it ended up keeping him out for the final 11 Premier League matches. Although the Gunners won the first two without Saliba, they struggled thereafter.
In fact, Arsenal squandered an eight-point lead at the top as Manchester City lifted the title for the third successive campaign, with Mikel Arteta's side winning just three of their remaining nine games. But Saliba believes the outcome may have been different if he did not get injured.
Speaking to Telefoot, Saliba said: "Yeah, it's clear with me (fully fit), Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football." The 22-year-old had an excellent campaign after cementing his place in the Arsenal XI. "Last year, I had a good season," he added. "Unfortunately, I got injured during the year and at the final sprint."
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Saliba returned to full fitness during pre-season and has since started the Gunners' first six Premier League matches, including the north London derby last weekend. He is hoping Arsenal can improve on last season's second-placed finish. He continued: "It's a new season with new ambitions and I hope that we can do even better."
William Saliba starred for Arsenal last season (Getty Images)Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions so far this term and have picked up 14 points from a possible 18 in the Premier League. They are back in action when they face Bournemouth, and ahead of that game, Arteta is eager for his side to continue their impressive start to the season.
He said: "For sure and we have to continue to do that and that’s the mindset that we want to bring to every single game within any context. We’ve had very different context’s throughout the season already and that’s going to keep changing.
"As you can see now, with the amount of situations that we have in the team with uncertainty of players, it’s going to be more. Playing every three days, having to win, having to compete in three different competitions in seven days and that’s the challenge. We’re up for it, that’s for sure."